Indiana Equality

Gay Alumni of Notre Dame Present the Tom Dooley Award

SOUTH BEND, IN  (August 17) – The Gay and Lesbian Alumni/ae of Notre Dame and St. Mary’s College (GALA-ND/SMC) will present the 2010 Tom Dooley Award to former Notre Dame Asst. Vice President of Student Affairs Sister M.L. Gude, C.S.C. The group will also give a “Distinguished Alumni” Award to Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach, Notre Dame class of ’91 and an openly gay 19-year combat veteran of the United States Air Force.  The awards dinner will be in South Bend, IN on Saturday, October 2.  Other panels and discussions will occur throughout the weekend.

“Sister M.L. Gude is a true hero for the GLBT community,” said GALA-ND/SMC Chair Liam Dacey, “She has worked tirelessly to support and advise gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered students over the past two decades, and we are proud to pay her a much deserved tribute.” Sister Gude served as Chair of the Notre Dame Standing Committee on Gay and Lesbian Student Needs from the late 90s-mid 2000s, where she pioneered gay and lesbian educational, training, and social programs.

Lt. Col. Fehrenbach has faced discharge from the Air Force against his will because of his sexuality.  He is currently awaiting the decision of his case from the Secretary of the Air Force.  Dacey said: “Under current Notre Dame policies, a war hero like Lt. Col. Fehrenbach would not be given non discrimination protection at Notre Dame and also would not be able to start his own gay organization.  That is an injustice.”

Ticket prices for the dinner range from $50 for members to $75 for non-members.  Students and young alumni can get a discounted ticket of $35.  All panels during the weekend are free and open to the public.  For more information on registration, visit: www.GalaNDSMC.org. 

About GALA-ND/SMC  

GALA-ND/SMC is the Gay and Lesbian Alumni/ae of the University of Notre Dame and Saint Mary's College.  Our national group numbers over 900 members, including gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered (GLBT) alumni/ae, faculty and staff from the schools, as well as their families, friends, and allies.    The purpose of GALA-ND/SMC is to: promote solidarity and friendship among GLBT graduates, former students, and friends of the University of Notre Dame and Saint Mary's College; provide financial and moral support to GLBT student groups at Notre Dame and St. Mary’s College which support GALA's mission; sponsor, direct, and participate in activities of any nature including charitable, educational, spiritual, and athletic, which further the interests of GLBT alumni/ae and friends of the two schools; facilitate, through education, better communication with University and College officials; and increase the visibility of GLBT alumni/ae at Notre Dame, Saint Mary's, and worldwide.  

About The Tom Dooley Award  

The Thomas A. Dooley Award honors individuals who, through their faith-based background, have demonstrated personal courage, compassion and commitment to advance the human and civil rights of lesbian and gay Americans. The award is named for the gay, former Notre Dame student who achieved world fame in the 1950s for his humanitarian activities while serving in the Navy in Southeast Asia, and even greater fame when he continued his humanitarian work as an American “jungle doctor” in Laos subsequent to his undesirable discharge from the Navy.

GALA ND/SMC bestows a $1,000 gift to a charity of the honoree's choice.

Report on IUPUI Women's Basketball Coach to Come Next Month

From The Indianapolis Star:

The committee investigating allegations against IUPUI women's basketball coach Shann Hart could finish interviews this week and report its conclusions in mid-September, committee chairwoman Sue Shields said.

Shields, a retired judge, said the three-person committee has interviewed numerous people over the past two weeks and that there's a full schedule of interviews this week.

She said the committee has done all it can to reach out to former players and others with letters and e-mails.

"I would guess that everybody who wants to be interviewed will have come forward by this week," Shields said.

IUPUI Chancellor Charles Bantz appointed the committee after The Indianapolis Star reported allegations from 12 of Hart's former players who said the coach violated NCAA rules on practice time and recruiting caused fear and humiliation, disregarded injuries and inappropriately inquired about personal lives.

Hart generally denied the allegations in an interview with The Star and said she could not address some issues because of student privacy laws. Some former players also refuted the allegations.

In Hart's six seasons at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, 42 players and assistant coaches have left the team, including 29 scholarship players.

In a separate story, eight players from American University, where Hart coached from 2000 to 2004, told The Star they experienced much the same conditions as IUPUI's players alleged.

Shields said she anticipated submitting a written report to Bantz on the committee's findings. Others on the committee are Gary Roberts, dean of the Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis, and Angie Torain, IUPUI's associate athletic director.

IE, INTRAA and Ball Memorial Hospital Partner to Build A New Future

MUNCIE, IN — Representatives from Indiana Transgender Rights Advocacy Alliance (INTRAA), Indiana Equality (IE) and Ball Memorial Hospital (BMH) announced today an aggressive plan to improve services for all patients, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) patients and their families.

Starting in September, BMH employees will begin receiving mandatory LGBT awareness training to improve sexual orientation and gender identity awareness as part of its existing anti-discrimination training. This curriculum, a collaborative work developed by the three groups reflects appropriate sensitivity and awareness to members of the LGBT community.

The new training is a result of allegations voiced last month by patient Erin Vaught, that stated BMH Emergency Department personnel treated her insensitively, resulting in her leaving the hospital before receiving treatment.

“Simply put, we failed to live up to our brand promise of care in regards to Erin and we apologize to her for that,” said BMH President & CEO Michael Haley. “The majority of our outstanding team of health care professionals is committed to providing every patient with excellent and respectful care. In the last month, I have heard from many team members who share my disappointment with Erin’s experience at BMH. Thankfully, her story has created the opportunity for us to provide additional support to our team members making sure that all LGBT community members receive expert, respectful and culturally competent care.”

BMH has also updated its non-discrimination and patient care policies to include language specific to sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

“I could not be happier with the way in which Ball Memorial has responded to my complaint,” Vaught said. “My goal from the outset was to try to make sure that my experience wasn’t repeated. Ball Memorial’s commitment to updating their policies and training their staff demonstrates to me that this is their priority as well. I look forward to following the training process and to utilizing BMH’s services for myself and my family in the future. 

INTRAA President, Vivian Benge, summed up the feelings of many people who have worked on this issue since mid-August. “The manner in which Erin and Ball Memorial have dealt with this issue should serve as a model for how community organizations, community members, and community advocates can collaborate in a transparent manner to bring about positive change,”

Haley reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to offering a hospital experience without prejudice and discrimination for all patients and their families, and its plans to continuing working with INTRAA and IE.

“Reaching this goal will take patience and persistence,” he said. “We will lead by example at BMH, and I want to make it perfectly clear that our partnership with IE and INTRAA won’t end here. It will endure through our commitment to uphold our brand promise with every patient who comes here for care.”

All parties see this work as the beginning of a statewide campaign for improved LGBT health care access. “INTRAA and IE are committed to using this collaboration as a starting point for work with health care providers throughout Indiana,” said Jon Keep, President of Indiana Equality. “BMH has generously offered to share the materials and expertise we all develop in training their staff with any health care institution that shares their commitment to providing excellent and accessible care to all Hoosiers.”

To download a copy of this press release, click the following link: Download BMH INTRAA IE Release 082010.

Transgender Hoosier and Her Supporters Bring New Era to Muncie Hospital

August 6, 2010, Muncie, Indiana -- Indiana resident Erin Vaught’s advocacy and strength are paving the way for a new future for competent and accessible health care for Transgender Hoosiers. After a harrowing experience in the Emergency Department of Muncie’s Ball Memorial Hospital on July 18th, Ms. Vaught reached out to the Indiana Transgender Rights Advocacy Alliance (INTRAA) and Indiana Equality (IE) for help in making sure that she, her family, and her community would never face barriers to health care at Ball Memorial again. In response, Ball Memorial’s management team has identified an aggressive plan to improve services to all patients, including LGBT patients and their families.

“My family and I are overwhelmed by the positive support we’ve received online and in person from individuals, blogs, and advocacy groups,” said Erin Vaught. “I never expected that so many people cared so deeply about my wellbeing and about adequate health care for the transgender community. I am excited to be working with INTRAA, IE, and Ball Memorial management to address what happened to me and to improve health care services for everyone in the Muncie area. My fondest wish is that this tragedy leads to better health care and deeper understanding.”

Working in collaboration with Erin, INTRAA and IE are engaged in ongoing discussions with key leaders at Ball Memorial, a Clarian Health facility, to respond both to the specific barriers Erin and her family faced and to traditional barriers to care faced by LGBT patients.

“Erin and her family are role models for turning a horrific experience of discrimination into lasting, positive improvements in the delivery of health care,” said INTRAA President Vivian Benge. “Her advocacy and the support she has received from around the country are poised to result in significant improvements in Ball Memorial’s delivery of care. Having spoken with Ball Memorial’s President and CEO, Michael Haley, I am optimistic that we will have a strong partner moving forward in improving health care access for Hoosiers in East Central Indiana.”

Mr. Haley and his team have already discussed making immediate changes in non-discrimination policies and practices, instituting trainings for all staff on best practices in serving lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) patients, ensuring inclusion of LGBT issues in the hospital’s long-term diversity plans, exploring changes to internal systems and policies that create unintentional barriers to care for LGBT patients, and identifying training for Ball Memorial physicians on medical issues specific to transition related care.

“I am impressed by Mr. Haley’s proactive response to this crisis. His team’s willingness to focus on action and to learn and incorporate new information into their policies and training efforts is a great first step,” stated Jon Keep, Indiana Equality’s President. “Particularly important is Mr. Haley’s insistence that any solutions be based on best practices from around the country and that Erin, INTRAA, and IE have a place at the table in planning and monitoring implementation of these solutions. IE and INTRAA are committed to using Erin’s tragic experience to foster real change for LGBT patients in Muncie and around the state.”

INTRAA and IE will keep the community updated on advancements in these efforts. Both groups will make periodic updates available via their websites and IE’s blog (http://indianaequality.typepad.com/) and FaceBook page. In respect for her family’s privacy and wellbeing, Erin has asked INTRAA and IE to respond to media inquiries about this work going forward.

The Indiana Transgender Rights Advocacy Alliance (INTRAA) is a statewide advocacy organization working to create a society that values and protects freedom of gender expression and the right to gender self-determination for all. For more information about INTRAA, visit the organization’s website at www.intraa.org.

Organized in 2003, Indiana Equality’s mission is to end sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination in Indiana.  For more information about Indiana Equality, visit the organization’s website at www.indianaequality.org or call (888) 567-0750.

Indiana Equality Comments on the Proposition 8 Decision in California

No doubt the Indiana enemies of any legal recognition of the rights of LGBT citizens, in anything from employment to anything that resembles marriage, are kicking into overdrive over today’s ruling by a federal judge in California that Proposition 8 violates the Constitution.  The decision is far from the final word, of course, as one way or another it is almost certain to wind up in the U.S. Supreme Court.  In the meantime, Hoosiers will be pelted with false and misleading messages attempting to link the issue to their perennial attempt to write discrimination into Indiana’s own Constitution.  Despite the differences (the Prop 8 case deals with federal equal protection, the one the Indiana General Assembly does not), it’s enough for the local right-wing spin machine to find a villainous “unelected activist judge” in both and warn that the wicked blackrobes from the West are about to cross the Illinois-Indiana line.  Funny, when an unelected judge interprets something like the Second Amendment (right to bear arms) the way they like, their favorite scapegoats become instant heroes.  

Don’t let their foaming at the mouth over California mask what they don’t want Hoosiers to know about SJR-13, the most recent and unsuccessful version of the “Marriage Discrimination Amendment:”   it’s about much more than “activist judges.”  It’s about whether or not the duly elected lawmakers in the Indiana General Assembly will have the right to do anything whatsoever in the area of the rights of same-sex couples.   Once they insisted that an earlier version, SJR-7 not only would, but absolutely should, preserve that legislative ability.  Now they run away from the question with a smokescreen of evasion.  

Indiana Equality continues to work to help to assure that their tactics are exposed and that fair minded people of whatever political persuasion don’t fall for the ruse.   In following the developments from California, let’s not let them pull the wool over Hoosier eyes concerning what’s really at stake if the hateful Indiana amendment were to advance.

Transgender Hoosier Alleges Discrimination at Muncie Hospital--Civil Rights Groups Call for Thorough Investigation of Claims

A transgender woman and her partner and child are alleged to have been inhumanely treated, dehumanized and disrespected while making a visit to the emergency center of Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie.

On July 18, 2010 the transgender citizen was coughing up a large volume of blood and was taken to the hospital by her life partner. Despite the fact that the intake personnel were shown the individual’s Indiana state identification which had her female marker in clear print, she was entered into the hospital’s system as a male.

The staff allegedly ridiculed the transgender person, loudly referring to her as "IT". Her life partner was apparently asked by individual staff members, with raised voices, if she was a "He‐She". The patient also claims that she was quizzed about her length of time as a "Transvestite" when she clearly identified herself verbally and through official documents as a Transgender Female.

“It appears that a grave injustice may have been perpetrated against a transgender citizen of Indiana, as well as to her life partner,” stated Vivian Benge, President of the Indiana Transgender Rights Advocacy Alliance.

Ms. Benge continued “This situation is particularly discomfiting as Ball Memorial is the hospital where Ball State University students go for emergency treatment. There are a number of transgender BSU students, as well as other minority students, and they should not have to fear humiliation and refusal of medical care in the emergency room.”

The transgender woman is suspected to have a lung condition that may be the cause of mass bleeding and oral expulsion of blood. Yet, according to the individual, Ball Memorial Hospital refused to provide treatment, with the accompanying statement to the effect of "we do not know how to treat someone like her". This happened after a long wait to be seen by a physician.

As leaders and advocates for the protection of transgender civil rights, Indiana Transgender Rights Advocacy Alliance and Indiana Equality urge Ball Memorial Hospital to conduct a thorough investigation of these allegations.

“If the events are proven to be true, we call upon Ball Memorial Hospital to take appropriate actions with the hospital employees involved and to institute policies, procedures and staff training that will ensure that such discriminatory actions are not again perpetrated, “ stated Jon Keep, President of Indiana Equality.

A copy of the letter by Indiana Transgender Rights Advocacy Alliance and Indiana Equality Ball Memorial Hospital can be found here Download Ball Memorial Hospital Letter media release.

The Indiana Transgender Rights Advocacy Alliance (INTRAA) is a statewide advocacy organization working to create a society that values and protects freedom of gender expression and the right to gender self‐determination for all. For more information about INTRAA, please visit the organization’s website at www.intraa.org.

Organized in 2003, Indiana Equality’s mission is to end sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination in Indiana. For more information about Indiana Equality, please visit the organization’s website at www.indianaequality.org or call (888) 567‐0750.

Questioning of Sexual Orientation Alleged by IUPUI Women's Basketball Players; Indiana Equality Calls for Thorough Investigation

A July 25, 2010 article in the Indianapolis Star (‘Emotional Abuse’ at IUPUI?) chronicled the concerns of former players and former assistant coaches of the IUPUI Women’s Basketball program.  Among the issues discussed in the article was what the former players described as inappropriate interest in their personal lives.

 

Specifically, the former players stated that the head women’s basketball coach and the associate women’s basketball coach publically berated some players with regard to their perceived sexual orientation.

 

Tara Betterman, a board member of Indiana Equality, observed that IUPUI prohibits discrimination against anyone for reasons of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or status as a veteran.  Betterman said, “IUPUI expects all employees to perform their duties in a manner that reflects the principles of fairness and equal opportunity.  These allegations of inappropriate inquiries about players’ sexual orientation raise a question whether the IUPUI women’s basketball program maintains such principles.”

 

Indiana Equality, Indiana’s statewide advocacy group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Hoosiers, strongly urges IUPUI to thoroughly investigate these claims of inappropriate questioning by coaches of the IUPUI women’s basketball team.

 

“If an investigation affirms these claims, Indiana Equality calls upon the IUPUI administration to take appropriate personnel actions and to institute policies, procedures and staff training that will ensure that such discriminatory actions are not repeated,” stated Jon Keep, President of Indiana Equality.

 

A copy of Indiana Equality’s letter to IUPUI Chancellor Charles Bantz and IUPUI Athletic Director Michael Moore can be found here (Download IUPUI women's basketball program concerns).

.

 

Organized in 2003, Indiana Equality’s mission is to end sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination in Indiana.  For more information about Indiana Equality, please visit our website atwww.indianaequality.org or call (888) 567-0750.

 

South Bend City Council Tables Vote on Fairness Amendment

The South Bend Common Council tabled an amendment Monday evening, July 26^th, that would have added a class of protection for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents. The amendment would have allowed the Human Rights Commission the right to investigate a specific type of complaint: employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

The proposal, Bill 30-10, authored by Councilor Oliver Davis, had its first reading on Monday, June 28^th during which the majority of speakers spoke in favor of the amendment.  The second and third reading was scheduled for Monday evening in which city council members would vote on the proposal.  After listening to various individuals speak in favor and against the proposal, the majority of council asked to table the vote so that some members could seek further clarity on the language of the amendment.

South Bend Equality, led by Catherine Pittman, coordinated this equality initiative and secured support from local religious, business, and community groups and organizations. Supporters spoke before the council Monday evening emphasizing that by approving the amendment it would send a strong message that South Bend is a welcoming city that believes in inclusivity and protection of its citizens. 

For further information about Monday’s meeting, please contact South Bend Equality at info@sbequality.org or at 574.284.4533.

Half-Pint Jones Headlining 3rd Annual Pride in the Park!

The GLBT Resource Center of Michiana is PROUD to announce the headliner for the 3^rd Annual Pride in the Park.................Half-Pint Jones!!!!

 

Half Pint Jones is a colorful five-piece project of sophisticated funk, jazz, and rock sprinkled with the musical flavors of New Orleans. This dynamic group stays true to all musical and spiritual influences, keeping their music honest and fresh.

 

Also at this year's Pride:

·         Bingo with Bradley Bogaert and the Touch of Class Revue 

·         Belly dancers

·         Drumming

·         Michiana Monologues

·         Karaoke

·         Fabulous drag featuring the gorgeous Bradley Bogaert and the Touch of   Class Revue and HOT drag kings Dante Deville and Michael Christian

·         Author and humorist Kage Allen 

·         Vendors, vendors, vendors and so much more! 

 

 

3rd Annual Pride in the Park

Sunday, August 29

1:00 PM--11:00 PM 100 Center Street, in front of Truman's 

Mishawaka, IN

 

This is absolutely the DO NOT MISS party of the year!!! 

 

For more information, visit:

http://www.michianaglbtcenter.org/index.html 

 

To spread the word via Facebook, visit:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=142810825731332 

 

To be a sponsor, a vendor, or to purchase an ad, visit:

http://www.michianaglbtcenter.org/pitp.html 

 

To sample Half-Pint Jones, visit:

http://www.halfpintjones.com

 

Special thanks go to Truman's Entertainment Complex!  Find them at:

http://www.trumans.com

HUD Takes Action to End Housing Discrimination Against Transgender People

(Washington, DC) Today the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provided new guidance on the Fair Housing Act, instructing HUD staff that discrimination against transgender people can be addressed under the existing federal law's ban on gender discrimination. The new policy offers additional help to transgender people who experience discrimination.

"Ending discrimination in housing is absolutely vital. Everyone deserves to have a safe home where they do not have to worry about eviction or harassment simply because of their gender identity," noted Mara Keisling, the Executive Director of the National Center for Transgender Equality. "Many thanks to HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan, his department, and the President Obama for their leadership working to ensure fairness in housing for LGBT people and for this important step forward." 

While sexual orientation and gender identity are not specifically named in the Fair Housing Act, HUD notes that transgender people are often covered by the ban on gender discrimination, and that discrimination against lesbian, gay, and bisexual people may sometimes be covered by other aspects of the law. For example, discrimination against a gay man who has HIV, or is thought to have HIV, could be a violation of federal laws banning disability discrimination, while a woman who is discriminated against because she wears masculine clothing may be covered under the provisions that bar gender discrimination. In addition, HUD today re-stated its commitment to work actively with state and local jurisdictions that do include sexual orientation and gender identity in their laws to be sure that people are aware of their rights. 

Last October, HUD announced a series of initiatives to address discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the country's housing. These commitments included requiring all applicants for HUD grants to comply with state and local nondiscrimination laws, developing regulations to clarify the inclusion of LGBT families in HUD programs, and planning a groundbreaking national study of anti-LGBT housing discrimination. 

Along with the new Fair Housing Act guidance, HUD launched a web page which provides information for Americans who may be experiencing housing discrimination and lists states which offer protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The web page tells individuals how file a complaint with the federal government as well as with state agencies.  

Housing discrimination remains a dangerous and prevalent part of life for transgender people. In a survey that NCTE conducted last year with the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, 19% of the respondents had been homeless because of their gender identity, a staggeringly high number.  While the work that HUD has done so far has been very important, much remains to be done. NCTE continues to call for the inclusion of gender identity and sexual orientation in the Fair Housing Act.   

If you have experienced housing discrimination or believe that you may be about to be discriminated against, we encourage you to call HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at (800) 669-9777 for assistance.